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(Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams (C), surrounded by party members, makes a statement to the media in Dublin, Ireland July 28, 2005. ) The Irish Republican Army or the IRA has announced that it will abandon its armed campaign and follow a democratic framework to revive Northern Ireland's peace process.
The IRA said it had ordered all of its clandestine units to cease all activities, but would not formally disband.
In a statement, the outlawed group appealed to Britain and Northern Ireland's Protestant majority to accept its new position as sufficient to renew negotiations on power-sharing.
After the IRA's announcement, Gerry Adams, the President of the IRA's political wing, Sinn Fein, called for "unity and solidarity" amongst the broad Irish republican and nationalist community.
He said the announcement presented an unparalleled challenge and opportunity for every nationalist and republican.
Protestant leaders, deeply suspicious of IRA motives, warned in advance they would wait several months to test whether the IRA's words proved true.
British Prime Minister Tony Blair hailed the IRA's announcement ending its armed campaign, saying it's a step of "unparalleled magnitude"
He also demanded that the disposal of IRA weapons must take place as soon as possible.
UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan has also hailed the IRA's decision to disarm and end armed actions in Northern Ireland, believing that this decision, if fully implemented, will be "a watershed in the history of Northern Ireland".
Annan hoped the IRA will commit fully to the obligation it has just undertaken, and called on all parties concerned to seize this unique opportunity to consolidate the Good Friday Agreement.
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